Behrooz Akbarnia, M.D., a 34-year member of the North American Spine Society (NASS), has been given the Leon Wiltse Award, an honor which recognizes excellence in leadership and/or clinical research in spine care. NASS announced the award at its annual meeting, held from October 18-21 in Los Angeles, California.
“This award means a lot to me,” said Dr. Akbarnia to OTW. “I knew Dr. Wiltse during my orthopaedic training and early career in spine surgery, so I am extremely honored to receive this recognition in his name. It is a recognition for mentorship and excellence in clinical practice and research, which he modeled and advocated so well throughout his life.”
Dr. Akbarnia graduated from Tehran University Medical School in 1966, then went on to complete his orthopedic surgery training in the United States. Dr. Akbarnia held the post of professor and vice chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery at St. Louis University for 10 years before relocating to San Diego in 1990. There, he established his academic practice under San Diego Center for Spinal Disorders, created the San Diego Spine Fellowship Program, and founded both the San Diego Spine and the Growing Spine Foundations to support academic activities.
When OTW asked if there is anything holding back the advancement of complex spine care—and what is promising—Dr. Akbarnia commented, “If we look at the history and evolution of spine care over the past half a century, it is evident we have come a long way. Evidence-based research and technology have helped us improve diagnosis and care of complex spinal disorders. This evolution has been much faster over the last two decades. I am confident that the outcomes of spine care for our patients will continue to improve with adding other tools such as AI [artificial intelligence] to our armamentarium.”
“I would like to remind my fellow surgeons—especially our younger colleagues—that, if they have their focus on their patients’ benefit, advocate for them, and put them first, they all will win. Again, for our younger colleagues: I encourage you to connect with a trusted mentor and eventually be a mentor for others coming after you. I wish all a successful career in spine care.”
